Question

A 52-year-old man presents to his GP with 3 months of change in bowel habit to looser, more frequent stools and visible rectal bleeding. He has lost 4 kg over this period. Full blood count shows a microcytic anaemia. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Arrange an urgent suspected cancer two-week-wait colorectal referral

Answer

Reassure and treat as irritable bowel syndrome in primary care

Answer

Start oral iron and review in 3 months

Answer

Order a routine colonoscopy within 6 months

Answer

Issue empirical antibiotics for presumed colitis

Practice question

A 52-year-old man presents to his GP with 3 months of change in bowel habit to looser, more frequent stools and visible rectal bleeding. He has lost 4 kg over this period. Full blood count shows a microcytic anaemia. What is the most appropriate next step in management?